Product Design Engineer

Job Description

We’re looking for a hands‑on Product Design Engineer who thrives on turning ideas into real, production‑ready products. In this role, you’ll take ownership of structural and mechanical designs from early concept through prototype, validation and release. You’ll work at the center of engineering, manufacturing and supply chain, solving practical design challenges, driving improvements and seeing your work move from screen to shop floor to field.

This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on products that operate in demanding, real‑world environments.

• Own new product and component development from initial concept through production release
• Create, analyze and iterate 3D models and 2D drawings using Siemens NX
• Perform structural and fatigue analysis using ANSYS or similar FEA tools to support design validation
• Plan and execute validation activities including prototype builds, physical testing and design verification to applicable regulated standards
• Collaborate across teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost‑conscious and aligned with sourcing and production needs
• Build and maintain accurate bills of materials and manage engineering changes (ECRs/ECNs) through release
• Drive cost saving initiatives through part redesign, supplier selection and outsourced component validation
• Support manufacturing with engineering problem solving, lean improvement events and timely shop‑floor support
• Investigate warranty and field issues by performing root cause analysis then designing and validating corrective actions
• Communicate directly with vendors and customers when needed to clarify requirements, resolve technical questions and support implementation
• Contribute to the growth of the design organization by mentoring engineers, designers and drafters as opportunities arise

• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals including strength of materials, stress analysis, fatigue life, welding and structural design principles
• Experience designing and testing products to applicable transportation or industrial standards (DOT, FMVSS, SAE or comparable)
• Comfort managing shifting priorities while keeping deliverables moving across multiple stakeholders
• Clear, practical communication style with customers, suppliers and cross‑functional partners
• A self‑directed approach with the ability to plan work, execute with minimal supervision and follow through to completion
• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean, Kaizen or VA/VE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
• 3+ years of experience in fabricated structures, heavy equipment, transportation products or similar mechanical OEM environments
• Proficiency in Siemens NX is required
• Experience with ANSYS or other FEA tools preferred
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• ERP experience such as Epicor or a similar system is a plus

• Some travel may be required based on project needs, supplier collaboration, customer support and test activities

At Insight Recruitment, we specialize in connecting top professionals in ERP, Information Technology (IT), Sales & Marketing, and Executive leadership with companies that need their skills most.

For over 25 years, we’ve been known as a boutique executive search firm that goes beyond “post and pray” recruiting. Instead, we take a hands‑on, personalized approach — directly engaging with passive talent to deliver the right candidates, not just the most available ones.

With a track record of long‑term placements and 99% of roles filled within the first 3–5 candidates presented/interviewed, Insight Recruitment has become the trusted partner for organizations across the Midwest and nationwide looking for quality hires who stay and make an impact.